Inklight’s Open Mic Night: A Perfect Sunday Reset

Sandy’s Bar is the versatile area in the Union, frequently used by different societies for various purposes throughout the week. Whether it be improv, karaoke, or acting as a regular bar for Sinners, the comfortable couches and stage remain a constant. On 2 February, Inklight turned Sandy’s Bar into a space where any and all were welcomed to share their writing. Inklight is the Creative Writing Society at St Andrews, and they hosted an open mic in Sandy’s Bar, which doubled as their AGM for both members and strangers alike. Inklight labels themselves as “a home for the writers, the readers, and the dreamers.” The society offers creative writing workshops, curates a journal, hosts socials for bonding, and occasionally holds open mics, which can be found on their Instagram or Out n’ About. As someone who loves to hear other people’s original work but not share my own, it seemed like the perfect spot on a lazy Sunday evening. 

Walking into the Union alone can be an intimidating task on a Wednesday or a themed night; however, I was not expecting to be overwhelmed on a Sunday after the first week of classes. Outside of Sandy’s Bar were crowds of people who seemed to be gathered for the Main Bar’s ‘Pint O’clock’ event, where pints were discounted and drinks were flowing. After manoeuvring through the unexpected crowd, opening the door to Sandy’s was an abrupt change. The environment was intimate, with listeners perched on their chairs or couches, intently focusing on the girl on stage: she was reading an original piece off of her phone. There were far fewer attendees at the open mic compared to Pint O’Clock, but it was an entirely appropriate audience for someone to share a piece of writing. The atmosphere was encouraging and you could hear a pin drop as a writer presented their work. Once they finished, there was a light round of applause coupled up with praise from neighbouring audience members. 

Attendees were encouraged to share anything: a poem, a short story, or maybe just a sentence. What you shared could be — and most often was — original, but it did not have to be; it could’ve been any piece of writing that resonated with you, whether that was a song lyric or a Shakespearean monologue. The performance could’ve been as formal or informal as you liked, and it truly felt like a welcoming space to present a piece of writing, especially if you were nervous to begin. Although I, and many other people in the room, were not brave enough to share our own writing, perhaps attending a few more open mics might change my mind. The event was meant to last from 7pm to 9pm but it ended early due to a lack of those who felt compelled to take the stage. 

If you plan on attending the event in the future, I would recommend getting there on the earlier side because the event ends once there is no writing left to share. However, since Pint O’Clock was just outside, attendees wrapped up the night and continued conversations about the performances over a cheap pint. That pint was the finishing touch that completed the ideal Sunday night.

Image by Inklight